The fact that more companies in the Greater Birmingham region are now supportive of the HS2 rail project is a “welcome trend”, according to one business representative.

Tim Pile, president of the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, made the comments after his organisation released the results of a new survey which show that many companies now feel that a link between London and the centre of Birmingham would be beneficial for both cities.

Researchers questioned business leaders across the region about their thoughts on the HS2 project. According to insidermedia.com, 44 per cent said the link will have a ‘significant positive impact’, with a further 33 per cent expecting the effects to be ‘slightly positive’.

Mr Pile was quoted by thebusinessdesk.com as saying: “This is an extremely welcome and positive trend. It proves there is a growing realisation of the economic and rail capacity benefits of HS2.

“HS2 comes with tremendous opportunities to regenerate parts of the city, implement a comprehensive package of transport improvements, and up-skill the region’s workforce. Business in the region also believe in a direct link to HS1 and the chamber is committed to campaigning for that to happen.”

Of the remaining respondents, 19 per cent are expecting HS2 to have no impact at all, while four per cent say the development will be a step backwards.